Game Of Thrones Season 8 Premiere!

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Arya's Game of Thrones Season 8 Poster

My Top Five Moments of the Game of Thrones Season 8 Premiere!

OMG I am thrilled and ecstatic that Game of Thrones season 8 is finally airing. I feel like we have all been waiting on this moment for so long and it’s finally arrived. And already there is so much to unpack. To prevent this post from being exponentially long, I’m limiting myself to the top five moments that had me transfixed and feeling all the feels. Besides the last two, these are in no particular order.

Five: Bran and Jamie coming Face to Face

I find it both entertaining and hilarious that Bran knows all and sees all, and still chose to sit in the courtyard of Winterfell all night waiting on Jamie’s arrival. The level of petty that Bran was feeling in that moment must have been overwhelming. I can’t even be mad at him. When someone pushes you out of a window there must be some satisfaction in confronting them years later. Especially when they thought you would die, or they’d never have to see you again. The look on Jamie’s face upon meeting Bran face to face after so many years was classic! I cannot wait to see how it plays out next week as this was the ending scene of the episode.

Four: Jon and Sam Reuniting

Augh! This one pulled my heartstrings. Sam is indeed a brother to Jon, both because of the Night’s Watch Bond, and because of their extraordinary friendship. To me, Sam is to Jon like Robert was to Ned. Growing up and becoming men together while facing unspeakable horror and having the other’s back created a deep level of trust and mutual respect between them. Except Sam is more kind, thoughtful, sensitive, and intelligent than Robert was. But the bond is unbreakable and it was so lovely to see these two reunited after all they’d been through together and separately.

Three: Jon and Arya’s Family Reunion

Arya and Jon Reunion

Out of the Stark children, these two were the closest. They both had more of the look of their father, whereas the rest of the Stark children had their Mother’s red coloring. At least in the books. They both felt like outsiders in their own home, and Arya always treated Jon as if he were her full-blooded brother. He was never a bastard in her eyes. So to finally see these two together again gave me all the feels. It took me back to when they had to say goodbye to each other and all the things that happened to each of them since. I believe these two fighting together will be a force to be reckoned with. It was so good to see them back together again!

Two: Jon Mounting and Riding Rhaegal!

Jon Riding Rhaegal

Love, love, loved this moment in the show! It has been a moment I have been waiting for and anticipating for YEARS now! The fact that Jon is the rider of the dragon named for his birth Father is just so epic and synchronistic and appropriate. Ever since I found out Jon was a Targaryen, or a Stargaryen as I like to call him, I have been envisioning the moment when he would take control of his dragon and ride with Dany. In previous times, before the dragons had all died out, the Targaryens rode them together. Brothers and Sisters alike mounted their dragons to go out into the seven kingdoms and take care of business, and I am here for Jon and Dany doing the same!

One: Jon Learns the Truth!

Jon Learns the Truth

Yassssss! May I present to you Aegon Targaryen, 6th of His name, Protector of the Realm, and King of the Seven Kingdoms! You talking about someone having goosebumps during this ENTIRE scene. Hell, I have goosebumps typing this up! First of all, it was entirely appropriate that Sam delivers this news to Jon considering their close relationship. Second, it was so good and satisfying to see Jon finally learn the truth of his parentage and realize that he’d never been a bastard at all. To learn that not only had he never been a bastard but that he is indeed the true and rightful heir to the throne and the legitimate son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen was incredible! We started from the bottom now we here! This news is overwhelming to Jon. He can’t believe his Father, the most honorable man he knew, would lie to him his whole life. Sam informs him that Ned made a promise to his mother and the lie was necessary to save his life.

The fallout will be fascinating!

Honorable Mentions

Lyanna Mormont gathering Jon Snow about bending the knee, Sansa and Dany’s rivalry, Arya and Gendry’s reuniting, and Tormund Giantsbane and company making it safely out of the destruction of the wall! I am just here for this whole episode. I am left with one question though, where TF is Ghost?!

Need a quick rundown of the Major Players in Season1 Episode 1, Check out my post here!

Netflix Show Recommendation: The Umbrella Academy!

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A New Take on Heroes

Synopsis:

I recently binged the new show on Netflix, The Umbrella Academy.  Later I found out that it was a line of comic books but had no previous knowledge of this before watching the show.  I was all in from the very first episode.  Seven adopted kids with special powers are raised together in the household of a strict disciplinarian.  They are constantly trained and tested to use their powers and be a team to fight crime.  Unfortunately one of them is determined to have no powers and grows up in this family feeling alone and isolated.  Another disappears as a child, never to be seen again, and another passes away as a child.  Bitter about their experiences at home they all drift off in different directions as adults and are only brought back together upon the death of their father.  Mayhem and shenanigans ensue.

Quick Character Thoughts:

For me the standout character in this series is Klaus.  A junkie, drug addict, Klaus is a complete disaster.  He is also a sensitive soul who never learned how to properly cope with his gift.   This is a result of his unbending father who threw him into traumatic situations with no regard to his sensitivity or age.  Klaus is a very intricate, nuanced, and colorful character who immediately draws you in and captures your attention.  While the rest of the characters have their lovable qualities, Klaus quickly became my favorite.  I do however think the actor playing Number Five was excellent.  He managed the juxtaposition of young and old expertly.

Additional characters I loved were the assassins, one of which was played by Mary J. Blige.  It seems Mary is finding a comfortable new career as an actress lately and doing a damn good job.  She was both fierce and hilarious as an assassin and makes me look forward to seeing her in future projects.

Overall Thoughts:

I was completely delighted by this quirky show.  It is a completely new take on the concept of superheroes (at least for me).  Every single character had something to offer, which made this show fun to watch.  Of course, it ends on a bit of a cliff hanger so I am definitely hoping for and looking forward to a season two of The Umbrella Academy.

Game of Thrones S1E1: Winter is Coming – The Major Players

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THE NIGHTS WATCH:
A military organization founded thousands of years ago, formed to protect the Seven Kingdoms from any and all threats  north of the wall.  The wall is an immense Ice structure built to keep all people, creatures, and threats North and out of all lands south of the wall.  In the beginning this order was filled with those from prominent houses and was considered an honor to be a part  of.  Some time later the Night’s Watch shrunk in numbers and dedication from prominent houses.  Out of need and desperation they began accepting recruits who had committed crimes or those who felt they had no other place to go and didn’t feel accepted in society or their families in general.  Unfortunately, they are woefully undermanned.

There are three main groups of this order.  The Rangers who fight, patrol, and defend the wall and also go out beyond the wall to find and exterminate any threats.  The Builders who are responsible for maintaining the castles and wall and repairing any damage.  And lastly the Stewards who are responsible for feeding, clothing, and overall general care of the Night’s Watch.  They gather facts and knowledge when needed, and are responsible for communication between the Night’s Watch and the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.

The Night’s Watch Oath:

“Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night’s Watch, for this night and all the nights to come.“

HOUSE STARK: Sigil: Direwolf Words: Winter Is Coming Home: Winterfell Colors: Grey & White

Lord Eddard Stark aka Ned:  The patriarch, leader, husband, and father of the Stark crew. Warden of the North and New Hand to the King.  Believes and pays homage to the old Gods.

Lady Catelyn Stark aka Cat: The matriarch, wife, mother, and protector of the Stark crew. Formerly Catelyn Tulley of Riverrun.  Believes in both the old Gods and the New.

Robb Stark:  The oldest and true born son of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Heir to Winterfell. Direwolf is Grey Wind.

Jon Snow: The bastard son of Ned Stark.  The same age as Robb.  Raised and accepted among his brother’s and sister’s but resented by Katelyn Stark and doesn’t always exactly get the Stark treatment.  Direwolf is Ghost.

Sansa Stark:  The oldest daughter and true born daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.   Lives in a fantasy world and is annoyed by her tomboy sister and also resent that she has a bastard brother.  Direwolf is Lady.

Arya Stark: Youngest true born daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.  Is uninterested in being a ‘lady’ and doing ‘lady’ activities.  Arya is rough around the edges and would rather learn sword fighting than needlepoint or sewing.  Direwolf is Nymeria.

Brandon Stark aka Bran:  1rst to last true born son of Ned and Catelyn Stark.  Desires to be a knight when he is older and is an expert climber.  Direwolf is Summer.

Rickon Stark:  Youngest true born son of Ned and Catelyn Stark.  The angriest Stark as he has an understanding that things are not right and will never be as they were again.  Direwolf is Shaggy Dog.

Theon Greyjoy:  War prisoner or ward of Lord Eddard Stark and heir to the Iron Islands.  Even though he was taken as a prisoner as a boy, he has always been well treated by the Starks and considered and extension of the family.

Maester Luwin: Counselor, Healer, and Tutor of Winterfell.

HOUSE BARATHEON: Sigil: Crowned Stag Words: Ours is the Fury Home: Storm’s End but currently resides in the Red Keep since he is King. Colors: Black & Gold

King Robert Baratheon:  King of the seven kingdoms, patriarch, father and husband of the Baratheon crew.

Queen Cersei of House Lannister:  Queen of the seven kingdoms, matriarch, and mother to the Baratheon crew.

Prince Joffrey: First son and heir to the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms.

Princess Myrcella:  First and only daughter.

Prince Tommen: Second born son.

HOUSE LANNISTER: Sigil: Golden Lion Words: Hear Me Roar! Home: Casterly Rock Colors: Red & Gold

Tywin Lannister: Lord of Casterly Rock, Warden of the West, and Shield of Lannister.  Wife Joanna, died in childbirth.

Ser Jamie Lannister:  First Son and Heir to Casterly Rock and twin brother to Queen Cersei.

Queen Cersei Lannister: Wife of King Robert Baratheon and first and only daughter to Tywin and Joanna Lannister.

Tyrion Lannister: Youngest son of Tywin and Joanna Lannister.  A dwarf and commonly called the imp.  Very educated and wise.  Resented by both his father and sister.  His brother Jamie is the only one in the family who genuinely cares for him.

HOUSE ARRYN: Sigil: Moon-and-Falcon Words: As High as Honor. Home: The Eyrie

Lord Jon Arryn: Lord of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale, Warden of the East, and Hand of the King, recently deceased.

Lady Lysa Arryn:  Formerly of House Tully and sister of Catelyn Stark, widow to the recently deceased Jon Arryn.

Robert Arryn:  A sickly boy of six years, Now Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale.  The only son of Jon and Lysa Arryn.

HOUSE TARGARYEN:

Prince Viserys: The third of his name, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, called the Beggar King.

Princess Daenerys: Called Daenerys Stormborn, last surviving daughter of House Targaryen.  Wed to Khal Drogo in which after she is referred to as Khaleesi

DOTHRAKI PEOPLE (THE HORSE LORDS):

Khal Drogo:  A cheiftan of the Dothraki who has one of the biggest and mightiest Khalasars of the Dothraki people.  A horse lord and great warrior who has never lost in battle.

Illyrio Mopatis:  A merchant Prince and Magister of Pentos.  A supporter of the old dynasty Targaryens and benefactor to Daenaerys and Visery Targaryen.  His is rich and lives in own well protected city.